Control Pests in Your Garden

You've worked hard to make your garden healthy and attractive for you and friends to enjoy. Unfortunately, it's also attractive to insects, small animals, and other pests, which can destroy your plants and vegetables. However, by following a few simple steps, it's easy to control even the most stubborn garden pests.

R.C. Walter hardware store has the right products and expert advice to help with all types of garden pest control. Consult the experts for advice and follow these steps to get started.
Step 1. Know Your Pests
It's very important to understand what pests are damaging your lawn and garden. The following insects are common in many areas around the country:


  • Aphids: tiny yellowish-green lice found clustered on tender plant shoots, aphids stunt a plant's growth by sucking its juices, which cause leaves to curl. If left untreated, they can multiply at an extremely rapid rate.
  • Japanese beetles: destructive red-and-green insects that feed on flowers and leaves.
  • Slugs and snails: usually come out at night to eat low-hanging leaves.
  • Leaf miners: larvae of certain flies or beetles that feed on material within leaves' linings.
  • Spider mites: common insects, very tiny and often white or red, usually found moving. Spider mites can cause widespread discoloration and deformities in many plants.
  • Leafhoppers: quarter-inch-sized green insects that suck the sap from leaves and destroy them.

    Another troublesome, category of garden pests is birds and animals. Depending on where you live, you may notice small animals in your garden, such as:

  • Rabbits and squirrels: can destroy the tops of plants or entire plants.
  • Crows and blue jays: may eat corn, seeds and seedlings, fruits, berries and nuts.
  • Wild birds: some, such as the purple martin, help control garden pests but others are pests themselves.
    Step 2. Test for Pests
    You may have a pest infestation if you see brown or yellow spots on leaves. Carefully examine your plants for live insects above and below the soil's surface. Another way to test is to apply a soap flush. Add 2 teaspoons of dishwashing detergent to 1 gallon of water in a bucket. Pour the mixture over a 2' by 2' area of your garden's soil. The flush will irritate insect pests feeding below the surface, forcing them to rise to the surface. Once you have some specimens, place them in plastic bags and identify them.
    Step 3. Use Organic and Natural Methods
    Bug removal for a small number of insects is easy. Just carefully pick them off with gloved fingers. Many insects are easily repelled by soapy water applied with a sponge or a spray bottle. Also try refined nontoxic oil sprays for pest control; they're light, can be applied year-round and help rid a variety of garden pests.

    For more organic pest control, use milky spore grub control formulas. A milky spore is a type of natural bacteria that infects different kinds of grubs. Apply milky spores in the spring and fall for best results. Milky spores are harmless to vegetables and flower gardens. Birds and other wildlife are also immune to the effects of this organic pest control.
    Step 4. Use Rubbing Alcohol
    Another remedy to try when battling pests is using a rubbing alcohol spray. It works on many different kinds of garden pests and is safe to use on most plants. Mix 1 or 2 cups of rubbing alcohol per quart of water, and apply using cotton swabs or a spray bottle. Since alcohol can damage some plants, always test your spray mix on a few inconspicuous leaves or plants first. If you don't see any damage or discoloration after 2 to 3 days, rubbing alcohol is safe to use on those plants.
    Step 5. Use Insecticides
    There are a variety of insecticides that can be used for pest control in your garden:

  • Insecticidal soap: nontoxic and leaves no residue in the soil. Spray it onto plants with a spray bottle.
  • Yellow sticky traps: great for effective flying-insect control.
  • Malathion spray: use once a week to ward off aphids, Japanese beetles, leaf miners, spider mites and leafhoppers.
  • BT (bacillius thuringiensis): look for caterpillar and mosquito killer with BT to control pest populations.
  • Pyrethrum: Ant and roach killer with pyrethrum is more powerful than most synthetic chemicals.

    Liquid insecticides are usually applied with a sprayer and often come in both concentrated and premixed forms. Apply granular insecticides with a spreader. Use a hose-end sprayer or a portable spray tank to apply concentrates. Before applying insecticides to any plant, ensure the product has been tested on that specific plant. If it hasn't, apply a small amount to a few leaves and wait 2 to 3 days for signs of damage before treating the plant.
    Safety Alert!
    Be very cautious when using insecticides. Cover exposed skin and don't apply in windy weather. When applying liquid insecticides, walk away from, never through, the treated area. Always keep insecticides out of reach of children and pets.
    Step 6. Keep Pests Away Longer

    Deer, rabbits, squirrels and woodchucks are liable to take full advantage of your tasty garden if your property lies near fields or woods. Spray animal repellents onto foliage for temporary relief from this problem. For lasting results consider using fences, mesh or trellis netting to prevent small animals from entering your garden.

    Another approach to repel animals is to plant vegetation they dislike. Rabbits will generally avoid peppers, tomatoes, corn, cucumbers and squash. Deer will avoid strongly scented herbs such as rosemary and sage and woody ornamentals s such as dogwood and spruce.
    Helpful Tip:
    Install bird feeders filled with birdseed to tempt birds away from eating freshly sown plant seeds in your garden.
    Step 7. Keep Plants Clean
    The accumulation of dust on plants entices spider mites and other pests so clean your plants at least once a week during the growing season. With a garden hose, gently spray water at your plants to wash off dust and dirt. Concentrate on new growth as they are most vulnerable.

    You've come a long way toward eliminating bothersome pests from your garden. Visit R.C. Walter hardware store for other tips on long-term garden pest control and prevention.